Question

An equation is shown below: −2(4x − 1) − 7 = 5 Which statement shows a correct next step in solving the equation? The equation can become −2(4x − 1) = −2 by applying the distributive property. The equation can become −2(4x − 1) = 12 by applying the addition property of equality. The equation can become −2(4x − 1) = 12 by applying the commutative property of addition The equation can become −2(4x − 1) = −2 by applying the subtraction property of equality.

Answer 1

The first step is to add 7 to both sides, applying the addition property of equality:

$-2(4x-1)-7+7=5+7 \iff -2(4x-1)=12$